Record #:

10818

Author(s):

Not Given

Abstract:

The first gold discovered in the United States was not in California, but North Carolina. Samuel Martin, who was born in Connecticut, was returning from South America where he had worked in the mining industry. Stopping to get a shoe repaired in Burke County, he noticed that the mud chinking of his host's cabin was very much like the best gold-bearing gravel of South America. Word soon leaked that gold had been discovered on the banks of Brindle Creek, and for the next year, Burke County was the site of our country's first gold boom. It is estimated that $60,000,000 worth of gold at current values was mined in the Appalachian area between 1828 and 1848, much of it minted by Christian Bechtler in Rutherford County.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 36 Issue 22, Apr 1969, p9-10, il

Subject(s):

Gold mines and mining--Burke County--History

Record #:

13361

Author(s):

Avery, Claude

Abstract:

Offering brief histories and facts regarding the towns and communities comprising Burke County, there is information about Morgantown, Rutherford College, Glen Alpine, Drexel, Icard, Hildebran, Connelly Springs, and Linville Falls.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 22 Issue 24, Apr 1955, p27, 29-30, il

Subject(s):

Gold mines and mining--Burke County--History

Record #:

20902

Author(s):

Phifer, Edward W.

Abstract:

This article looks at the discovery of gold in Burke County in 1828 that sparked a period of rapid industrialization, commercial activity, fiscal organization, and speculation in the region. Information on the development and infrastructure for gold mining in the area at this time is included.

Source:

North Carolina Historical Review (NoCar F251 .N892), Vol. 40 Issue 4, Oct 1963, p489-500, il, map, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Gold mines and mining--Burke County--History